Date:         Thu, 5 Jan 2012 13:43:20 -0500
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: redoing ground connections on left cylinder head ('84 1.9L
              engine)
Comments: To: John Anderson <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <1325737901.53154.YahooMailNeo@web112011.mail.gq1.yahoo.com >
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 11:31 PM 1/4/2012, John Anderson wrote:
>Well having owned scores of 1.9's all of mine get soldered
>connections and heat shrink for strain relief (in 2 stacked layers
>usually.)  And I have a real AMP crimper for proper crimping for an
>oxygen free aerospace grade connection.  I still solder these, as I
>have countless other connections in countless VW's.  If you don't
>want it to wick significantly, only use a touch of solder to fill
>the connection, and then do something for strain relief.  And use
>real solder, with lead, it is still out there and you will thank
>yourself.  Be prepared as these often have been carrying stray
>current and the first few inches of several of those wires may be in
>bad shape indeed, may need extended.  Cut back till you got clean
>flexible wire, solder the extension, heat shrink, etc.   I actually
>on old (bus) harnesses often acid dip connectors to clean and etch,
>solder, neutralize with baking soda solution, apply NO-OX-ID and
>thereby salvage a factory looking connection.   On a 1.9 replace the
>ground strap while you are at it.  Clean the head very well,
>NO-OX-ID or your favorite goop.   Doing so on a 1.9 will solve all
>sorts of FI gremlins that they are prone to when they age.

  FWIW, I endorse all the above, quoted in full to emphasize the
practical value of it.

Yrs,
d